Kota Kinabalu: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) welcomed the announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on the allocation of RM15 million to support the implementation of free food initiatives and food banks under the Dapur Siswa Madani programme.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) Prof Dr Raman Noordin said the allocation reflects the Madani Government’s commitment to safeguarding student welfare, particularly in meeting basic food needs.
He said the initiative, introduced by the Higher Education Ministry (KPT) and expanded to institutions of higher learning nationwide, is timely in addressing food insecurity among students and enabling them to focus on their academic development.
“In line with the implementation of this initiative, UMS, through the Non-Resident Management and Student Housing Facilities Centre (PNRF), took early proactive steps by establishing Dapur Siswa facilities at two residential colleges at the main Kota Kinabalu campus, which began operations on Nov 24, 2025,” he said.
Raman said the construction of the Dapur Siswa facility at the UMS International Campus in Labuan is currently underway and is expected to be completed in February 2026.
“As part of efforts to strengthen student welfare support, the initiative will also be expanded to the Faculty of Sustainable Agriculture in Sandakan to ensure broader and more inclusive access,” he said.
To support the sustainability of the programme, Raman said several initiatives have been introduced, including the “1 Staff 1 Bag of Rice” campaign and the establishment of the Dapur Siswa Trust Fund.
“These initiatives encourage contributions from staff and the surrounding community, while fostering a sense of shared responsibility and engagement among university members,” he said.
He said since its introduction, the Dapur Siswa programme has received a total of 1,150kg of rice, equivalent to 115 bags, benefiting approximately 3,500 students.
“With the special allocation channelled by the Prime Minister through KPT, more students will be able to receive assistance, particularly at UMS where about 70 per cent of the student population comes from the B40 group,” he said.
Raman said the funding would support the strengthening of existing Dapur Siswa facilities and ensure the continuity of their operations.
He also expressed appreciation to Higher Education Minister for raising the matter with the Prime Minister, leading to the allocation.
He added that the university, through its Student Affairs and Alumni division, would continue to work closely with KPT and relevant stakeholders to ensure students’ basic needs are met throughout their studies, in line with the Madani values-based education ecosystem.
